Tattoo designs of zodiac signs are very popular. With simple lines and different colors they can be inked into beautiful and elegant symbols that symbolize who you are, or can add a deeper meaning that is both mystical and romantic.

Those who adorn themselves with zodiac symbols make a statement of who they believe they really are and how they define themselves. Zodiac tattoo signs can also give an clue into a person’s temperament, interests and goals. As a sign of your personality it is a great way to express yourself. But, you can also get a zodiac tattoo to represent a loved one’s sign.

You also can include corresponding elements within your zodiac tattoo designs, such as stars, suns, moons, flowers, hearts, or anything else your imagination can come up with. They are also the most versatile and can be modified to match different tattoo designs and genres, and are sometimes inked as armbands, lower back pieces, on ankles, or on the shoulders.

Combining tribal tattoos or Zodiac Celtic tattoos are also a great way to add uniqueness and express yourself.

Zodiac tattoos show off the recognizable symbols that represent each of the twelve signs. They also represent one of the four elements: earth, air, fire, or water.

Here is a list of the zodiac symbols

Aries (Fire sign) March 21 - April 20

Taurus (Earth sign) April 21 - May 21

Gemini (Air sign) May 22 - June 21

Cancer (Water signs) June 22 - July 22

Leo (Fire sign) July 23 - August 21

Virgo (Earth sign) August 22 - September 23

Libra (Air sign) September 24 - October 23

Scorpio (Water sign) October 24 - November 22

Sagittarius (Fire sign) November 23 - December 22

Capricorn (Earth sign) December 23 - January 20

Aquarius (Air sign) January 21 - February 19

Pisces (Water sign) February 20 - March 20

Fire represents desires and creative energies.
Earth represents material resources, environment and possessions.
Air represents intellect and the ability to reason and communicate.
Water represents feelings and the ability to love and sustain.

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A big reason people get flower tattoos is the fact that they never seem to go out of style and will still be popular even thirty years from now.

The combining of flower tattoos with other designs is endless.

The most popular is the tribal style, which is outlined by thick black lines and made to stand out even more by adding a little color.

These designs are usually inked on the small of the back, the ankle, or the shoulder. The most popular colors are red, yellow, pink, peach, blue and white.

Another design is to get a lei on your neck, similar to the leis given to tourists or as arm bands, leg bands, or a bracelet.

Hawaiian flower tattoos are also inked with sea turtles and even surfboards.

The lotus flower is becoming increasingly popular with women. It is the islands official state flower, which is why most residence get it. It is seen a symbol of spiritual awakening in the Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The lotus is also a symbol of overcoming problems in life, because it starts off in mud and turns into something beautiful.

The lotus flower lives under shallow waters and each morning it rises above the water. Tattoo enthusiast believe the a lotus tattoo represent life in general.

The lotus makes a wonderful Hawaiian flower tattoo.

With the large variety of Hawaiian flower tattoo designs to choose from it could take you some time to find the perfect one.

Above all don’t rush into your decision if you are intent on getting a flower tattoo, with research you are bound to find the perfect design that defines you.

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Although all tattoos bear some significance or other to the bearer, flowers hold special meanings in themselves. With more and more women getting tattoos, it is no wonder that flower designs are becoming evermore popular. Since flowers come in a wide array of colors and styles and meanings, the make an easier choice for someone wanting something original, while remaining mainstream. The most beneficial part of flower tattoos is you can personalize it to mean what you want by choosing your flower and your colorations.

Overall, many people associate flowers with life. We can view their life cycles everyday all around us, from the beginning of growth to the wilting and eventual dying of the blossoms. When we view a flower we envision life. Born of nature, they continue to mature on a day to day basis, forever reminding us that like all other things we are not immortal. As the flower does die, so shall we.

The coloration you choose can mean many things, whether individualized to you or on a more global scale. White is often seen as a symbol of innocence and purity. Clean and crisp just like a fresh snowfall. Red is seen as a burning passion or desire, it can be looked upon as the color of love or the color of rage.

Roses of course are the most common flower, followed by the lotus. Roses like the color red symbolize love and passion. Roses are viewed as a romantic flower, which is why it is very common to send your loved one roses on Valentines Day and other holidays. In western civilizations roses are seen as love and purity whereas in eastern civilizations it is the lotus flower that represents this. A lotus tattoo also holds further meaning. It is meant to impart the bearer with fortune, peace and beauty. Tulips are another popular choice, symbolizing passion and expertise at being a lover. Violets are for the timid and tame girl. The shy girl who takes her time and maintains control. For those of Irish descent the Acacia flower is a popular choice, otherwise known as the Bells of Ireland, they symbolize friendship and love. Those seeking to display virtue and wisdom may choose an Iris. Or a women may chose a Magnolia to symbolize a love of nature.

As you can see the choices are as wide and beautiful as all the flowers in the world. Depending on your cultural background and heritage along with your personal individualized choice, you can find the perfect flower tattoo with the perfect meaning for you.

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The history of the Celtic people goes back thousands of years. They have been long renowned for their beautiful artwork in metal, jewelry and weaponry. They were also known as fierce warriors. All over Ireland you can still find many examples of Celtic artwork and crosses.

As time passed, the Celtic; as do all civilizations, evolved. Due to the fact there is little documented history in terms of the written word, much of their tradition was passed down through symbols and knowledge, person to person. Those of Celtic tradition, often choose to display their pride in their heritage by tattooing themselves with the symbols of their ancestors ( such as the Celtic Cross and knots.)

The majority of Celtic tattoos find their origins in Ireland. There are many places throughout Ireland that still document the symbols of the Celtics as a way to preserve this strong heritage. The tattoos have long been a tradition amongst them, even when metalwork and jewelry were still abundantly made.

A Celtic knot is one of the most common Celtic tattoos. They are formed by unending spirals, that symbolize the circle of life, the process of birth and death. The Celtics also had animals in there artwork. As with the know they were made of spirals, often ending though in the heads, tails and feet of the creature. A true knot is unending, but has more recently been modified to contain symbols at the end of some of the spirals.

There is no actual literal translation behind the knots. They are an emotional and religious symbol that represents the crossing of both the physical and spiritual realm. They symbolize the heritage of the Celtics and their lives, faiths and loves.

Celtic designs are often considered one of the hardest tattoos to apply and receive as it often takes many hours of tattooing to produce the coils and spirals of the artwork. Many of Celtic descent have gone through the process of receiving one to display their heritage, reunite with their pride and to serve as a tribute to their ancestors. To the Celtics they are more then worth the time and pain to establish a connection with their heritage and the pride of their people.

If you have decided upon a Celtic tattoo, whether of Celtic descent or not, you will need to do some homework. You need to find yourself a skilled artist, most preferably one who specializes in Celtic design and has an eye for detail. The spirals and design of the tattoo takes a skilled hand to ensure your tattoo is properly done. Not all artist are capable of doing such a hard piece of work.

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Popularity
Printable angel tattoo designs are ranked third under tribal and butterfly tattoo designs due to their spiritual, religious and protective meanings.

Meaning
A typically benevolent celestial being that acts as an intermediary between heaven and earth, especially in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Zoroastrianism.

Angel tattoos symbolize love, peace, protection, faith, a loved one, spirituality, a connection with a higher self, selflessness, freedom, the struggle between good and evil, and a relationship with God

Why women get them
For women an angel tattoo can symbolize purity, divinity, patience, self-confidence, beauty, protection, and the belief in angels.

A growing number of women are getting angel wings on their backs.

Why men get them
For men angel tattoos can symbolize a love for someone, protection and to symbolize the struggle between their good and evil nature.

Types of designs

Guardian Angel Tattoo Designs: Protectors of humanity, children, especially in times of trouble.

Cherub Tattoos: Symbolize the messengers of love. These tattoos usually have the name of someone special. Just remember that relationships can end if you are thinking of getting your significant other’s name tattooed on you and that is the number one reason people regret getting tattoos.

Fallen Angel Tattoos: Popular with bikers, Goths, and those who study dark arts.

Archangel Tattoo Designs: Represent Gods angels and are usually inked on those who are religious.

A growing trend is to combine designs, like tribal angel wing tattoo designs.

Just remember that if you are considering getting an angel tattoo, take your time to find the design that defines who you are and what you believe.

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Getting a tattoo is a major decision, one that will be with you for a long time.

If you get a haircut you don’t like, all you have to do is wait for it to grow out. If you buy a car you don’t like, you can always take it back and get something you like more.

But it’s not as easy to deal with a tattoo you are unhappy with. While a tattoo can be removed, it can be painful, take time, and cost a pretty penny. In the long run, it’s best to do everything you can before you get the tattoo to ensure you will be happy with your decision.

One way to do this is by asking questions of the artist who will be doing your tattoo. You should also educate yourself on the proper way tattoos should be done.

Some people might not feel comfortable walking into a tattoo parlor and asking a whole list of questions. But it’s something you need to do if you don’t want to end up regretting your decision.

Here are some questions you should feel free to ask during your visit to the tattoo parlor.

How Long Have You Been Doing This?

Who would you rather have doing your tattoo? Someone who has been a tattoo artist for years, or someone just starting out? Do you want to be their fourth customer, or their four hundredth?

Feel free to ask the artists in a tattoo shop how much experience they have. What kind of training have they completed? And do they have any certificates they can show you?

Many artists keep a portfolio of the work they’ve done on past clients. Be sure you ask to see it.

Can I See Your Certification?

While the tattoo industry isn’t strictly regulated in many areas, tattoo artists are usually required to complete a course on infectious disease transmission before they can legally set up shop. They also must receive some sort of state licensing.

There are far too many people who call themselves tattoo artists, but are doing steady (and illegal) business with no licensing to speak of. Make sure the tattoo artist you use isn’t one of them.

What Professional Organizations Do You Belong To?

In most places, tattoo artists aren’t required to belong to any professional organizations. But those that do are probably interested in maintaining the quality and standards of tattooing as an industry and art form. They are also more likely to be aware of the latest trends, techniques, and safety precautions.

Is This Parlor State-Regulated?

In most states, there is no regulation for tattoo parlors. However, if a tattoo parlor is in an area where such regulation is required, ask if they are state-regulated. Think of it as an extra precaution.

What Sterilization Procedures Do You Use?

When tattoo artists don’t follow the correct sanitation procedures, getting a tattoo could put you at risk of contracting an infectious disease, like hepatitis, or tuberculosis.

Professional, well-run tattoo shops use strict sterilization procedures to make sure their customers and their employees stay safe.

Most tattoo shops explain the sterilization process to customers before they start work on the tattoo. But you can educate yourself on the process before you make your final decision to even get a tattoo.

Go to the tattoo parlors you are considering, and observe how they operate. Do they use an autoclave to sterilize reusable equipment? Do the tattoo artists wear protective gloves when doing tattoos?

Some tattoo equipment should only be used once. So, do they open such items in front of each customer, and then immediately throw those items away after they have been used?

Taking the time to ask questions, and educate yourself, will help you stay safe and protected. It will also ensure that you have fewer reasons to regret getting a tattoo.

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Now, it’s time to choose the artist who will do your tattoo.

Taking the time to choose the right tattoo artist is an important step. It might seem like more trouble and bother than you want to deal with. But it won’t matter how great the design you chose is if the artist doesn’t do a good job creating a tattoo of that design. And, if the tattoo artist doesn’t do it right, there’s really no going back to fix it.

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a tattoo artist.

Experience Counts

How long have the tattoo parlors in your area been in business? And how long have the tattoo artists in those parlors been doing tattoos?

It might be worth your while to visit some local tattoo shops. While there, feel free to ask how long the artists have been doing tattoos. You can also ask what kind of experience and training they have. Most will be more than happy to answer your questions.

You should also take a look around the tattoo parlor. The condition of a shop can tell you a lot about the competence and professionalism of the people working there. If a parlor is a total mess, and things seem hectic and chaotic, this might not be where you want to get your tattoo done.

Let Past Customers Be Your Guide

Do you have friends or acquaintances that have gotten tattoos and were happy with the results? If so, ask them where they got them done.

Many tattoo studios keep portfolios of the work they’ve done on past clients. So, ask to look at it, and study the quality of the work yourself.

During your visit to a tattoo parlor, you might even find some former clients in the shop, who are back to get another tattoo done. Don’t hesitate to ask to take a closer look at their tattoos. And the fact that the shop has repeat customers can be taken as a good sign.

Professional Organizations

While there aren’t as many regulations governing the tattoo industry as people would like, there are professional organizations that tattoo artists can belong too. These organizations take the principles of quality, safety, and professionalism seriously. And tattoo artists that belong to such organization probably feel just as strongly about the same principles.

Many of these organizations also require their members to meet certain training and experience requirements, which should help put you at ease.

Consider calling one of these organizations, and asking about members who work in your area. You can also ask for recommendations on which local parlors and artists they consider the best.

Hit the Road

Sometimes, you might not be able to find a tattoo artist you feel comfortable using nearby. In fact, the best tattoo shop you might have heard about might be a one or two hour drive away.

If that is the case, don’t hesitate to make that trip. A one or two hour drive is worth it if it means getting the best tattoo possible.

Remember, choosing a good tattoo artist isn’t like choosing a good hairstylist. If you get a bad hair cut, or a bad coloring job, you know your hair will grow out and it will be like the mistake never happened. But, if you get a bad tattoo, it will take a lot of pain, time and money to fix.

It is worth your while to take your time when choosing the tattoo artist who will do your tattoo. The good results will be well worth the effort.

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Everyone likes a good deal, whether it’s on a laptop computer, a new car, or a tattoo. And, sometimes, a bargain just seems too good to pass up.

But if there is one area where you shouldn’t let price play a big part in the decisions you make, it’s getting a tattoo.

As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. And there are few areas where that saying is more true than in the tattoo parlor.

There are many reasons people might regret getting a tattoo. And one of the biggest reasons is poor quality.

Imagine that a group of people who regretted having their tattoos were given two options. They could go back in time and not get the tattoo at all. Or they can go back in time and pay more than they paid originally to get the tattoo done right.

You would be surprised by how many of them would gladly choose the second option. It’s not that they really regret having a tattoo. What they regret is having a bad tattoo.

Here are some things to keep in mind about the price of tattoos.

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost of a tattoo depends on a lot of things.

Size is a major factor. The bigger a tattoo design is, the longer it will take the tattoo artist to complete it, and the more you will have to pay. But for a smaller tattoo that doesn’t take as long to do, you might end up paying around fifty to a hundred dollars.

Many tattoo parlors have a collection of pre-priced designs, called flash, on display. They are like a menu in a fast food restaurant. You order what you want, and pay the pre-set price.

Custom designs, on the other hand, can cost quite a bit more. In fact, for a custom design, you can expect to pay hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars, depending on how big and intricate the tattoo is.

Avoid Cheap Operations

Unfortunately, in some areas, tattooing isn’t regulated as much as potential customers might like. That means that just about anybody can buy some tattooing equipment, get a license, set up shop, and start doing business. And the license they get has very little to do with how much artistic talent they actually have.

These so-called tattoo artists often price their services very low, much lower than the quality, reputable tattoo artists in the area.

But, remember, a really good deal doesn’t automatically translate into a really good tattoo. In fact, if the prices at a tattoo shop seem too good to be true, you probably want to consider heading to another parlor.

Ways to Save Money on Your Tattoo

There are ways to save money on tattoos while still getting a quality job.

First, forgo the idea of getting a custom design, and choose a design from the pre-priced flash on display. There are usually so many choices, you are bound to find something you like.

Next, you could always get a smaller tattoo. The smaller the tattoo, and the less time the artist has to spend creating it, the less the job will cost.

Maybe you have always imagined a large, striking tattoo that covers your entire arm. But a smaller design can be just as striking as larger tattoos.

Another way to save money is to get a tattoo where the design is done all in black. These tattoos can have just as much of an impact as the more elaborate, brightly colored ones.

However, if your heart is set on a large, brightly colored, custom designed tattoo, don’t look around for someone who will do what you want for a cheap price. Instead, save up your money so you can get the tattoo you want done right. You won’t regret it.

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People choose where they put their tattoos for all sorts of reasons. Some might get their tattoo in a certain place (like their lower back) because they think it’s sexy. Some get their tattoos in areas that can be easily concealed or hidden (like on their backs). While, on the other hand, others get their tattoos on places that are sure to be seen and noticed (like their necks).

Here are some things to think about when deciding where to put your tattoo.

Popular Places for Tattoos

Really, there is almost no limit to the places where you can get your tattoo.

Some traditional tattoo placements include the arm, back and chest.

Foot tattoos are popular amongst teenaged girls and twenty-somethings. Women in that age range also like “permanent bracelets,” tattoos that circle their wrists and almost look like a piece of jewelry.

Cosmetic tattoos are becoming more and more common. Women who are tired of putting on their makeup every morning might get permanent eyeliner or lipstick applied.

As for sexy places to put tattoos, it all depends on who you ask. Some sexy places for tattoos on women include the lower back, hip, ankle, or the area between the waist and the bikini line. Some sexy places for tattoos on men include the shoulder blade and to one side of the upper chest.

Getting a tattoo on your neck or face is considered pretty extreme. So are tattoos that cover a very large area. Like sleeve tattoos, which can cover your entire arm, like the sleeve of a shirt.

Where Does It Hurt the Most?

It’s the question everyone asks sooner or later. Do tattoos hurt?

The honest answer is that, yes, getting a tattoo does hurt somewhat. But, if done by a good tattoo artist, the pain is relatively minor. Many describe it as a pinching, scratching, or tickling sensation. And some say it feels like a minor sunburn, or a bunch of mild bee stings.

How much getting a tattoo hurts can depend on where you are getting the tattoo. Getting a tattoo on skin that rests directly over a bone will hurt more than getting a tattoo on a more fleshy area.

In general, getting a tattoo on your ankle, spine or ribcage will hurt more than getting a tattoo on your buttocks, thigh, or back.

Outside Forces

Society’s impression of people who have tattoos has grown a lot less rigid over the years. People are less likely to make value judgments about you just because you have “been inked.”

However, when getting your tattoo, there are still some things you should take into consideration.

Do you have a visible tattoo that can’t be easily covered up? How do you think it will affect your chances when you are going on job interviews? What kind of impression will it make when you are meeting new clients?

Do you have a job where tattoos are frowned upon? If so, having a large, brightly colored sleeve tattoo on your arm could be a problem. It might mean having to wear long sleeved shirts all year round, even in the hot summer months.

If you have a rather explicit or graphic tattoo, and don’t cover it up when you go out in public, you could end up offending a few people.

Getting a tattoo is a form of personal expression, and you should be able to get your tattoo wherever you want. But the fact is that you do have to think about how having a tattoo might affect your life, and the way people see you. And the bigger, brighter, and flashier the tattoo you want to get, the more you have to think about it.

Depending on what you do for a living, or what you will be doing for a living down the line, consider getting your tattoo in a place that can be easily and conveniently covered up.

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The design you choose is a big decision. Why? Because you will be living with it for a long time, so it’s something you should put a lot of thought into.

Think of your tattoo as permanent, something that will be with you from now on. Yes, there are ways to remove a tattoo. But those procedures are often painful, expensive, and can take a lot of time. And all of this can be avoided if you think carefully about the design you want before you step into the tattoo parlor.

Look at Some Example Tattoos

A great way to get ideas for your own tattoo design is to look at some examples.

Tattoo magazines are a great place to start. In the pages of these magazines, you will find tattoos of every shape, size, style and color imaginable.

You can also find sites online that have hundreds, if not thousands, of tattoo designs for you to look over. Many of these sites are free. But some of the best tattoo design sites will charge you a small fee. And this fee can worth it if it means choosing the absolute best design possible. Click here for the top printable tattoo design sites

You can also take a trip down to a local tattoo parlor and take a look at their selection of flash. This is the collection of designs most shops have on display for customers to choose from. Usually, these designs are pre-priced, meaning you will be charged a set amount to get a particular tattoo. This can come in handy if you already know exactly how much you want to spend on your tattoo.

Getting a Custom Design

Maybe you don’t want a tattoo design that you saw in a magazine or a site online. And not of the pre-priced flash designs at the tattoo shop really caught your eye. In fact, you want a design that is different and unique, that no one else has.

So, what do you do?

You could always go for a custom design.

Most tattoo artists will be willing to work with you to create a custom design that you will love. Go to them and tell them what you have in mind. Bring along samples of designs that are similar to the kind of tattoo you want. The artist will sketch up sample designs until they finally capture the original design you can see in your mind’s eye.

Getting a custom tattoo design might cost more than the pre-priced flash designs. But, if you love the unique and original results, it will be worth it.

Remember, Things Change

When choosing a design, keep in mind that the tattoo is going to be with you from here on out. So whatever you choose should be something you are pretty sure you will still be happy with a year or a decade from now.

Getting your boyfriend or girlfriend’s name tattooed on your arm might seem like a great way to express your love right now. But, if you have a messy breakup, the tattoo will be a constant reminder of your pain. In fact, these are the kinds of tattoos many people seem to regret getting the most.

You might love a certain band right now. But what if you lose interest in that band? Are you still going to be happy about the band logo you have tattooed on your back?

There’s nothing wrong with getting a tattoo to show your love or appreciation for someone or something. But give some thought to how you will feel about the tattoo if the love and appreciation begins to fade.

Choosing a tattoo design isn’t something that should be done on the spur of the moment. You should give it the same thought and consideration you’d give to buying a car or making an investment. Thinking carefully about the design you choose is one way to ensure you won’t regret getting your tattoo.

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